Recycling bias and reduction neglect

Michaela J. Barnett (), Patrick I. Hancock, Leidy E. Klotz and Shahzeen Z. Attari
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Michaela J. Barnett: University of Virginia
Patrick I. Hancock: University of Virginia
Leidy E. Klotz: University of Virginia
Shahzeen Z. Attari: Indiana University Bloomington

Nature Sustainability, 2023, vol. 6, issue 11, 1418-1425

Abstract: Abstract Waste generation and mismanagement are polluting the planet at accelerating and unsustainable rates. Reducing waste generation is far more sustainable than managing waste after it has been created, which is why ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ is ordered the way it is, with reduce first and recycling as a last resort. However, our research finds strong evidence for a recycling bias and reduction neglect. Across two surveys (NTotal = 1,321), most participants perceived recycling as the most sustainable action to manage waste. This error decreased when different waste destinations were emphasized and when choice options were reduced. When asked in study 2 (N = 473), 53.9% of participants recognized that the product design stage offered the greatest potential for mitigating waste and its impacts. However, participants only felt empowered to enact change via their consumption (72.9%) and disposal choices (23.3%). For consumers and producers alike, policies and interventions should motivate source reduction and reuse, which could help correct the misplaced preference for recycling.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01185-7

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